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Okay well, it's been a long time since I posted a WIP thread here, or updated my in limbo project threads, so may I start with a newer project of mine. I am creating a new custom Clone Commander, whom I have named Commander Tyyrel. It's an homage to my other favorite Sci-Fi flick, Blade Runner (though I have slightly changed the word Tyrrel with a double "y" as opposed to the double "LL") The premise behind this custom is to reflect what a plausible new, small secret police unit may look and, how they would operate in a post Order 66 environment. This unit is much lighter than a typical Clone combat unit, and it's numbers do not exceed 250 troops. Their main focus is to strike terror into the Senate on Coruscant, reporting to the Emperor directly. Not only I am building this new custom clone commander, but I am also re-visioning the classic TK Storm Trooper as grunt to this unit, albeit a slightly earlier version. I hope and pray that eFX still intends release a clean "as-if" version of their hero helmet (low brow).

Now, I have been working on this since September of 10'. Though, with so many life altering events starting with the closing of my real estate company (of which I was with for 22 years) this project has been sputtering along slowly, literally one tiny step at a time. I am happy to say that things have settled down dramatically, and I can now proceed with this and other in limbo projects

Let's get rollin'! As you will see in the select images below, the helmet is going through a major lens socket/face-plate modification. For years I have wanted to emulate what a film Phase-II ARC could look like, and with the new prototype ARCs in Season III of the Clone Wars, I have been re-motivated to explore this concept. The goal here with the new Commander's helmet is too literally replicate the Phase-I AOTC lens socket in a direct 1:1 transfer to the Phase-II faceplate, without losing the geometry of the Phase-I socket. It's been tough, especially of the sloping faceplate of the Phase-II and it's subtle nuances. At this stage, I am about 90% of achieving my desired goal.

Here below is an image of the basic Phase-I T-Visor lens socket penciled directly onto the subject base helmet. This base helmet is an OSCS-III and as many of you may know this an insanely cool kit to work with. (This is my third OSCS to date) Marcello totally shreds at these

(Please ignore the image dates as they are incorrect! Most were taken in May of this year 2011)

Beginning stages of setting the general frame work for the Phase-I lens socket:

Ground down and ready for Magic Sculpt putty work:

Magic Sculpt in place and drying. This is the first time I am using this stuff and I absolutely love it!

First base layer of Magic Sculpt sanded into the faceplate, integrating the new lens socket into place

Fast forwarding a bit and here we are currently; roughly at the 90% finished stage. I will highlight all remaining steps in my next update. There are
a few more nips and tucks that need I still need to do on the helmet, that of which I will follow up on next time!

I actually used sheet styrene to back the face-plate and the new lens socket frame work. I then applied the Magic Sculpt to fill and rebuild the face-plate. Magic Sculpt, when mixed thoroughly and properly, is rock hard after 24 plus hours. And, can be a tad difficult to sand as a result.
So far I am loving this stuff! By just using water, you can continually work the putty up to about 3 hours before is truly sets. Which beats the Propoxy20 Plumbers epoxy I have been using for years, which that stuff set in 20 minutes. Highly recommend Magic Sculpt!

Thank you Meta!Tonight after work I sprayed a light coat of white primer to see what issues would come up. And there are at least 7 major areas that need attention, especially in the face-plate. Here I temporarily tape a large black tie-wrap as a mock Communications Band, to help sharpen up the upper area of the T-Visor for a better visual. .In person it looks wicked. Pictures at this time do not do this helmet justice, though here is a good shot for now.

Here is an updated link to the project image album. I will be picking up the pace later today and should be posting some new images. I am stoked as I have a Sci-Fire AOTC helmet being made for me this weekend. Can't wait to put the two side by side! (and compare lens socket dimensions) I hope to have it by mid week or so http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y29...e%20Commander/